From Apron Strings to Belt Loops
I was a momma’s girl through and through. I not only loved that lady with my whole heart, but relied on her for everything. When I fell in love and married, I had to release those proverbial apron strings. The problem was that I grabbed onto my husband’s belt loops.
Are you scratching your head? I’ll explain.
For whatever reason, I didn’t understand that leaving home and marrying was my time to grow up in many new ways. I wasn’t mature enough to let go of my dependence upon my parents and fully transfer it to God. Instead, I transferred it to my husband. I thank God for him and for his wisdom, but he is still just a man.
Even though I was born and raised in a Christian home where a close, personal walk with God was valued highly, I’d have to say that my faith stayed quite immature. I went to church, Sunday school, youth group, and Bible summer camps as a “good” Christian girl would do, but I didn’t take the time to get to know God like I could have. Momma modeled daily devotions and Bible reading, but I never could seem to the make the time for it. (Are you hearing me?)
I attended a Christian college to earn my degree in education, and along with that came a minor in Bible/Theology. I studied Scripture for four years, but I never made being “in the Word” a personal habit.
I relied on the strength of my Momma, and her faith was my anchor.
Along came Mr. Wonderful, a ministerial major with a strong personality, as well as an incredible understanding and Biblical intelligence. Jackpot! I think subconsciously I was thrilled to transfer my spiritual dependence from Momma to Gary. He would be my spiritual guide and leader, and he would make sure I was fed on God’s truth. Wrong!
Don’t misunderstand me; my husband has always been there for me. When I have questions or am confused on a doctrine or theological point, he is my “go-to.” He knows way more than I can describe, but…he is not one to allow me to “depend” on him for my walk with God. That’s up to me! For many years I didn’t understand that and wondered why I wasn’t able to lean on him in this way.
I had to grow up spiritually. If Gary had allowed me to “leach” off of his walk with God, I would never have strengthened. I would still be crawling weakly.
Our walk with God is personal. He is our guide, teacher, and spiritual leader. The people God puts in our lives to help us (parents, clergy, teachers, and loved ones) are meant to point us to the cross, but not drag us there. What is so sweet is that the Lord waits patiently for us to seek Him out. He’s a gentleman and never pushy.
As I often say, we have to let go of what we are holding onto in order to take hold of the cross. And what we hold onto can be anything: money, habits/addictions, and hobbies …
… apron strings or belt loops.
GOD IS GOOD, ALL THE TIME!
